YouTube Channel Thumbnail Designer (Freelance), fern and Simplicissimus

YouTube Channel Thumbnail Designer (Freelance), fern and Simplicissimus

An opportunity to join an exciting, well-funded and fast-growing creator economy business.

Electrify is a dynamic new digital media company that invests in and scales creators with an established YouTube presence. We have invested in various leading channels and Fern and Simplicissimus are some of the leading channels in our portfolio.

Fern and Simplicissimus are leading digital outlets for political and social topics with around 5 and 2.5 million subscribers each. Our work has received national and international recognition, including two Shortys, two Tellys, the DAfFNE, the NYT TV & Film award and the Environmental Media Award. We focus on investigative research, video essays, and documentaries for a curious, engaged audience that always seeks deeper answers.

Come and build the future of media with us!

About the role 

We are looking for a Thumbnail Designer (Freelancer) to support our YouTube channels fern and Simplicissimus. As a Thumbnail Designer, you will be responsible for creating striking, effective, and on-brand visuals that attract millions of viewers.

Key Responsibilities 

• Design engaging, high-performing thumbnails for YouTube documentaries and video essays

• Develop creative visual concepts that capture the essence of each story and align with the channel’s visual identity

• Select and retouch images, composite elements, and use typography effectively to create bold, clear, and scroll-stopping visuals

• Create and integrate 3D elements, objects, or environments into thumbnails to enhance visual depth and storytelling impact

• Maintain a consistent, high-quality design standard that reflects the tone and credibility of fern and Simplicissimus

• Manage feedback cycles efficiently and deliver on tight deadlines

• Stay on top of YouTube and media design trends to keep our channels visually ahead of the curve

Skills and experience 

• Proven experience designing YouTube thumbnails or visual assets for digital media

• Excellent sense of visual storytelling, composition, color, and typography

• Strong skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

• Proficiency in Blender or Cinema 4D for 3D work

• Understanding of how thumbnails influence click-through rate and viewer engagement

• Ability to translate abstract or complex topics into clear, emotionally engaging visuals

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Business-level English and ideally basic knowledge of German
  

Desirable 

• Experience in digital journalism or documentary content

• Familiarity with 2D and 3D animation or compositing workflows

• Understanding of YouTube analytics and A/B testing for thumbnails

Electrify Culture

• Dynamic environment - We are dedicated to providing a world-class creative culture where our employees can thrive. We’re looking for self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset who want to be part of our success story. You’ll discover new opportunities, take ownership of important initiatives and learn at a fast pace.

• Work anywhere - We are a remote team with employees around the world. This means you are free to work from anywhere with a good internet connection.

• Our Values – We are committed to fostering a culture that values innovative, diverse ways of thinking and the ability to drive positive change. DEI is in our DNA, and our DEI Committee and Social Hub initiatives reflect this commitment.

• Force for good - We believe in unlocking the power of Electrify to tell stories that change lives. Digital media has the opportunity to propagate inspiring ideas and knowledge that can generate extraordinary change. Electrify Impact provides initiatives and resources to support emerging creators and positive impact organisations amplify their voice. In support of the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), we actively encourage support on our mission to make the world a better place for all.

What we offer

• Work from anywhere with an allowance for tech

• Flexible hours

• Employee referral program

• The opportunity to work in a fast-paced, vibrant, dynamic, and innovative environment where you can learn and grow quickly

• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative team

Rate: EUR 250-350/day (depending on experience. This will be converted into the currency of where you are based)

Electrify is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.